Nursing continues to be one of the most demanding and fulfilling professions for both professionals and patients. It is required of caregivers to improve patients’ lives and offer them the tools they need to fulfill their potential. Since registered nurses (RNs) are the main healthcare professionals, they should be adequately qualified and knowledgeable to improve the nation’s healthcare system (Musy et al. 234). Speaking of academic goals, it is important to note that by gaining knowledge in this area, nurses will have the opportunity to pass it on to future employees. In addition, having a fundamental understanding of their profession will open up the opportunity not only for introductory training but also for mentoring, which greatly improves the outcome in the field of medicine. Academic goals are important when pursuing success in one’s profession, but it is also worth remembering that this knowledge can be passed on to other employees to save lives.
The low number of RNs in the United States is alarming. Nearly 25% of competent RNs hold a nursing diploma, while those with associate degrees are at 42 percent (Karlsson et al. 50). As per Karlsson et al., 31% have obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a reputed university in the nation (1361). Based on these numbers, it is clear that the majority of RNs lack the necessary or desirable education to make a difference. This means that such professionals may be unable to diagnose illnesses, enhance patient health outcomes, or reform the healthcare system in the United States. The growing academic divide makes it hard for all residents to get appropriate health care and services.
The national organization representing academic nursing, The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has been at the forefront of championing college education. The organization holds that education has a big influence on the skills and abilities of RNs, just like it does on all other healthcare professionals (Anderson et al. 103). RNs who have earned a college degree are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities that face today’s nurses. RNs are sought after for their aptitude in a range of inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as for their abilities in leadership, case management, critical thinking, and health promotion.
A college degree program will provide one with increased skill sets and competencies. As a result, nurses who attain this goal will be able to fulfill the various requirements of a greater number of patients. This implies that more RNs will be able to practice in a variety of settings, revolutionizing the healthcare industry (Jowsey et al. 117). Secondly is the introduction of superior models by educated nurses, which can enhance the health results of their patients. For example, professionals who have obtained this academic level will be able to provide medical support that is culturally competent. Additionally, they will have the ability to create interdisciplinary teams that can deliver sustainable services. To better serve more people’s evolving needs, the field of nursing will likewise broaden. Finally, the strategy will encourage the notion of lifelong learning or continuous learning. This implies that practitioners will focus on developing their advanced skills and maximizing the effectiveness of evidence-based practice (EBP). Such RNs will be given the tools they need to use cutting-edge medical technology and improve the patient experience.
In conclusion, a college degree can assure me that as a practitioner, I will be more equipped for the changes in the healthcare sector in the United States. With so many individuals dealing with a variety of issues, including chronic illnesses, practitioners must engage in lifelong learning, gain new competencies, and use EBP ideas in their units. The college degree will provide me with the opportunity to address these challenges and achieve my educational goals.
Works Cited
Anderson, Amy L., et al. “Advancing health policy education in nursing: American Association of colleges of nursing faculty policy think tank.” Journal of Professional Nursing 36.3 (2020): 100-105.
Jowsey, T., Foster, G., Cooper-Ioelu, P., & Jacobs, S. (2020). Blended learning via distance in pre-registration nursing education: A scoping review.Nurse Education in Practice, 44, 102775.
Karlsson, Ann‐Christin, et al. “Registered Nurses’ Perspectives of Work Satisfaction, Patient Safety and Intention to Stay – a Double‐Edged Sword.” Journal of Nursing Management, vol. 27, no. 7, 2019, pp. 1359–1365.
Musy, S. N., Endrich, O., Leichtle, A. B., Griffiths, P., Nakas, C. T., & Simon, M. (2021). The association between nurse staffing and inpatient mortality: A shift-level retrospective longitudinal study.International Journal of Nursing Studies, 120, 103950.